Tin diselenide (SnSe₂) – a new battery energy super material

Scientists from Tiangong University and collaborating institutions have highlighted tin diselenide (SnSe₂) as a promising electrode material for next-generation energy storage devices, with potential applications in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and supercapacitors (SCs). 

SnSe₂ is a two-dimensional (2D) layered semiconductor composed of abundant, low-toxicity elements. Its structure offers several advantages, including a higher theoretical capacity than traditional anode electrode materials such as graphite (used in LIBs) and hard carbon (used in SIBs). A higher theoretical capacity means SnSe₂ can store more electric charge per gram, which translates to greater energy storage potential. 

One of it’s standout features is an ability to support fast ion diffusion—the rapid movement of lithium or sodium ions through the electrode during charging and discharging. This is made possible by it’s layered structure and large interlayer spacing, which provide wide, low-resistance channels for ion transport. Faster ion diffusion leads to quicker charging and higher power delivery. 

SnSe₂ also helps to overcome a major issue faced by many tin-based anodes: volume expansion. Pure tin can expand by over 400% during cycling, causing mechanical stress, cracking, and capacity loss. In contrast, selenium atoms in SnSe₂ act as a buffer, absorbing some of the strain and reducing structural degradation. 

SnSe₂ is also being explored for use in supercapacitors—devices that store and release energy very quickly. Thanks to its layered structure and large surface area, SnSe₂ can hold more charge than many traditional materials. When combined with other conductive materials like graphene, it has shown very high energy storage performance.  

The International Tin Association is closely tracking sodium-ion battery technologies and notes that tin-selenide-based materials are among the most frequently studied anode materials in current academic research. 

Overall, this work positions SnSe₂ as a strategic material in the global push for clean, efficient, and scalable energy storage. 

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